Binghamton Research Days Student Presentations
Kristoferson_Eva.pdfPotential Negative Cyclical Effects of ADHD Medication, Mental Health, and Academic Performance
Potential Negative Cyclical Effects of ADHD Medication, Mental Health, and Academic Performance
Eva Kristoferson (Senior, Integrative Neuroscience), Dennis Cregin (Sophomore, Integrative Neuroscience), Lee Ann Genussa (Senior, Integrative Neuroscience), Camille Guo (Junior, Integrative Neuroscience), Rebecca Koltun (Junior, Spanish: Language and Literature), Sana Malik (Sophomore, Biological Sciences,Philosophy, Politics and Law), Haley Norton (Senior, Integrative Neuroscience), Adelle Ricci (Senior, Biological Sciences), Devon Umeozor (Freshman, Integrative Neuroscience), Lina Begdache (Health and Wellness Studies)
Eva Kristoferson (Senior, Integrative Neuroscience), Dennis Cregin (Sophomore, Integrative Neuroscience), Lee Ann Genussa (Senior, Integrative Neuroscience), Camille Guo (Junior, Integrative Neuroscience), Rebecca Koltun (Junior, Spanish: Language and Literature), Sana Malik (Sophomore, Biological Sciences,Philosophy, Politics and Law), Haley Norton (Senior, Integrative Neuroscience), Adelle Ricci (Senior, Biological Sciences), Devon Umeozor (Freshman, Integrative Neuroscience), Lina Begdache (Health and Wellness Studies)
Mentor: Lina Begdache, Health and Wellness Studies
Mentor: Lina Begdache, Health and Wellness Studies
Abstract
In the past decade, the misuse of non-prescription ADHD medication among college students for the goal of achieving academic success has seen a marked increase. In order to determine if there is a relationship between study drugs, mental health, and GPA, an anonymous survey was distributed asking participants questions regarding demographics, prescribed and non-prescribed Adderall use, its effects, and perceptions. A total of 879 college-aged students from several US colleges completed the survey. Using Pearson's Correlation Coefficient, there was a positive correlation between using non-prescribed Adderall use and a decrease in GPA, as well as a negative impact on mental health. The survey also showed that those who have a lower GPA exhibited several mental health symptoms, suggesting that there could be a vicious cycle at hand: non-prescribed study drugs, low GPA, and negative impact on mental health all act reciprocally, inexorably worsening the effects of the drug. Our results may indicate a lack of knowledge among non-prescribed users about the effects of Adderall, demonstrating a need for education outreach and alternative study methods. Data was collected from a multiple-choice survey and analyzed using SPSS, Version 25.0.
Abstract
In the past decade, the misuse of non-prescription ADHD medication among college students for the goal of achieving academic success has seen a marked increase. In order to determine if there is a relationship between study drugs, mental health, and GPA, an anonymous survey was distributed asking participants questions regarding demographics, prescribed and non-prescribed Adderall use, its effects, and perceptions. A total of 879 college-aged students from several US colleges completed the survey. Using Pearson's Correlation Coefficient, there was a positive correlation between using non-prescribed Adderall use and a decrease in GPA, as well as a negative impact on mental health. The survey also showed that those who have a lower GPA exhibited several mental health symptoms, suggesting that there could be a vicious cycle at hand: non-prescribed study drugs, low GPA, and negative impact on mental health all act reciprocally, inexorably worsening the effects of the drug. Our results may indicate a lack of knowledge among non-prescribed users about the effects of Adderall, demonstrating a need for education outreach and alternative study methods. Data was collected from a multiple-choice survey and analyzed using SPSS, Version 25.0.